James Rodríguez wrapped up his time at São Paulo FC with less fanfare than expected. Despite his impressive credentials, including a Puskas Award and the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup, he only netted two goals in 22 games. This performance fell far short of what fans and teammates had hoped for.
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In a recent interview with ESPN Sports, Lucas Moura didn’t hold back on his thoughts about Rodríguez’s commitment. “He knew what he was doing wrong. We needed him in key moments, and he was nowhere to be found,” Lucas said, pinpointing a clear gap between expectation and delivery.
Issues over contract
Rodríguez’s off-field struggles didn’t help either. He butted heads over contract details, causing more than just administrative headaches. “He had issues with his contract that ended up spilling into the locker room. We tried to refocus him, but it was tough,” Lucas shared, highlighting the ripple effects of Rodríguez’s disputes with the board.
São Paulo handled Rodríguez’s exit with minimal fuss. The club didn’t celebrate his departure or even mention it on social media, signaling a mutual disappointment. His inability to adapt to Brazilian football and mesh with the team’s culture was a letdown for everyone involved.
